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Aggie Purvinska The first thing and easiest that comes to mind id to paint the brick and the grilles white, and leave the brass. and the hearth as is... That would be the easiest.

sara0316 Thank you for the response - my only issue is I really don't care for the brass. It seems that anyone who paints the brass always goes with black. What about a fun color like teal using a glossy high heat paint? I haven't seen this done anywhere online so maybe its not possible?

Granite Transformations Hi Sara,

I have a few suggestions for getting that beach theme/feel you're looking for.

Paint: I'd go with a light shade of green or blue to start in the right direction. Try Robin's Nest Green by Benjamin Moore- http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/robinsnest

Sconce- Pottery Barn carries a sconce called a Depot Sconce, you can see the attachment. These are beautiful and will really enhance that beach feel by adding a nautical touch.

Fireplace- I love the brick, but I'd consider whitewashing it. You can also see the attachment for inspiration. I think it will give the fireplace a more beachy feel. I'd also consider changing out that brass/gold color to either brushed bronze or rustic copper.

Those are my suggestions, hope they're helpful. Good luck with your transformation. Please post pictures once you're finished.

Media Decor I would go with Aggies suggestions above, but am not crazy about the brass. Why not do the painting and see if the brass looks ok, then you can change it if desired.

janishill If it were my house I would white wash the brick then paint the brass lamp bases and fireplace screen Oil Rubbed Bronze.
I would keep the original globes on the lamps. Milk glass (the glass the lamp globes are made of) is very beachy!

Aggie Purvinska I fit is true brass you can apply patina on it, it's a chemical process, not sure if there are any home kits, but we do it in our shop from time to time.

lsullivan712 The great thing about paint is if it doesn't work, its not that hard to change. I think it would be nice to paint the brick a white or have it tiled in a white mossaic with a bold suround. You can always paint it more "neutral" if you dont like it.

sara0316 these are all great ideas - thank you very much for the suggestions. I'll be anxious to post pics when it's finished.

dcer I would tape off, then paint the brass charcoal grey. Then replace the dated sconces above the fireplace, and paint the brick/grilles off white.

fitonajera I want to recommend using a steel material black, or soft brown to hide the red bricks .. or else a dark brick facade like those on the floor. but without clear joints.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design How to paint brass - google it!
http://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Brass

Michael Tauber Architecture A thought....Consider stripping an area of the mantel and see what the wood looks like. If nice strip the whole surround and mantel.

judyg When you say shingle style, do you mean Cape Cod cedar shingles or shingle style New York style?

The brick has some interesting tile work that looks almost art deco, but the brick looks 40's and the surround and flooring are very traditional. I think you have to decide which way you want to go with this.

If you are going true Cape Cod style the brick and tile need to go. Even if you paint the brick black those tiles will still be obvious. You will need to choose different sconces, also.

sara0316 Judyg - we are going with a house like the attached - sort of Dutch colonial/shingle style with some craftsman influences. I definitely have more of an ecclectic taste.

sara0316 The art deco pieces on the fireplace are actually metal inserts.

Transforming Rooms There's a great blog with before and after photos

http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com

Here's an example of the room makeover photos for fireplaces, adding color, furniture layouts, recovering furniture....just about anything you want to type in the search box!

sara0316 thank you!

movethisnotthat are you on the coast? Painting your walls the color of the water on your favorite day would be striking with the white trim, a must in a coastal setting, I'd get rid of the brass too. Is is working wood fireplace? There are many options if it is not.

judyg You have a shingle style Dutch Colonial, very nice. You can find this style here on houzz to investigate fireplaces. Here is one which would look very good in a Maine house. Obviously this is quite trimmed out, but the stone, the sconces and the sailboat certainly refer to you location.

sara0316 movethisnotthat - it is a working fireplace so we'll need to use heat resistant paint etc when considering our options. yes, we are on the coast in a little ocean side town called cape elizabeth. i grew up here and so happy to be back!
judyg - what a great example, so gorgeous! there are many elements from this that could be worked into our living room. I also love how curtains are being hung far above the molding around the window, it really adds height to the room. the room where the fireplace is has standard height ceilings.

Trends in Tile How about refacing the brick? There are several really nice colors and finishes to choose from. Attached are a few pics of Realstone Systems "Collection" in a honed Travetine and a rough look also.